Review: LilyBug Pretend Makeup

All little girls want to be just like mommy. I found that out a short while ago when I was getting some clothes out of the dryer and folded them. I had noticed that Adisyn was super quiet.. so I went to see what she was doing, and found an $80 mineral eye shadow stack dumped all over my bed.

There was nothing I could do about it. I sprayed it and sprayed it, but it seemed to just smear even deeper into the mattress. Now there is a mixture of purple/pink/gold blob on it and it won’t come out. No matter how long it’s been (2 months now) I still wake up with glitter on me because of the makeup.

It is funny now, but wasn’t so funny at the time. It was a huge mess.. not to mention $8- worth of eyeshadow down the drain. OUCH! You have no idea how thrilled I was to find LilyBug Pretend Makeup. This makeup looks “real” but isn’t.

It is 100% pretend, so it’s mess free. No worries, no messes, and a happy little girl who thinks she looks absolutely beautiful putting her “makeup” on. She was asleep when the mailman brought it. She woke up and I showed it to her. She said “Oh mommy, it is SO beautiful” and began playing with it.

I’m pretty sure it occupied at least an hour and a half right then and there. She was SO captivated by the thought of having her “OWN” makeup. I thought it was cute that it came with everything a “mommy” would carry in her makeup bag.

It came with: A foundation palette, brushes, a lipstick, a blush, mascara and 2 eyeshadow palettes. One of the eyeshadow palettes is a shimmer while the other isn’t.

It is absolutely brilliant. Her daddy didn’t know that she had gotten this—he was at work when the mail ran. Later that night I went to bed a bit early because I hadn’t slept well the night before. The next day he told me that he had taken away some makeup that she had gotten into. He said “she kept saying that it was hers and started crying.” I said “Adam that’s because it IS hers, it’s completely fake—TOY makeup.” He returned with “THAT did NOT look like a toy”… fooled the daddy Hehe

The maker of Lilybug pretend makeup had the same thing happen to her (which is how lilybug makeup happened). Her little girl got into her makeup and spilled it everywhere as well. I had so much fun talking to her, swapping the horrendous tales of stained carpet and bedding..

I love that they sell different packs on the website. SO no matter what budget you may be following, there is still room for a little surprise for your baby girl. There is really nothing like the look on their face when they see it. She had absolutely no idea that it was a toy.. and we had so much fun together. She gave both myself and her aunt (my sister) a makeover.. she was so thrilled.

We had toy makeup when I was little, but it was NOTHING like this. The makeup I got way back in the day looked and felt fake and it only came with a plastic lipstick. This is something that you’d have to look twice at to figure out it was fake.

If you know a curious little girl who would love to look and feel beautiful with her “makeup” you should definitely check out Lilybug pretend Makeup.

Buy It: There are packs as low as ……. but you can buy the 6 piece necessity  makeup set for $20

Make your little princess very happy with this addition to her most loved possessions! This listing is for: 1 Lipstick (Pink Taffeta) Rolls up and down just like real lipstick! 2-4 Shade eyeshadows (1 flat multi-color and 1 sparkly multi-color) 1 Blush with mini blush brush 1 Pressed powder compact w/ sponge (your choice of skin tone color) 1 5pc makeup brush set w/ carrying bag **BONUS** 1 Sheer pink carrying bag Temporarily the Pink Taffeta shade will be in the tube shown in the last picture. Please only purchase for little ones past the oral stage. Brush applicators could be considered a choking hazard. Pressed powder compact has a real mirror in it. Lipstick is made with a firm non-toxic plastic like material and is painted with 100% non-toxic and lead free paint.

 

Jessica Renee

 

Review: Rock N Learn PreSchool Ready for School DVD

Rock N Learn has the most amazing educational DVDs. You may have seen my Rock n Learn Sight Words Review a couple of months ago. We have tons of fun with these DVDs. It helps my son and then I save the DVDs and work on them with my daughter who is 2 years younger than my son.

I am loving that these DVD’s catch the attention of the kids. They aren’t just boring and bland DVD’s that sit on our shelf and are never watched. We still watch the Sight words, and the kids were excited to add another to collection.

The length of the DVD’s fit a young child’s attention span perfectly. They are about 30 minutes long and have colorful eye-catching characters. There is a boy AND a girl character, so no matter what gender your child is- they are sure to relate to them.

In this DVD, it teaches kids how to be ready for school. Although Aidan knows his colors and shapes, he doesn’t know how to tie his shoes or make his own bed.

Adisyn is only 3, so she and I watch this together when Aidan is in school. She doesn’t yet know her shapes, so this is something that we’ve been working on. She only knows her circles and triangles at this point, so I was glad to get some interactive help from Rock N Learn.

It also teaches numbers and how to get dressed all by yourself. Aidan knows how to dress himself, he just has some issues here and there about putting his shoes on the wrong feet. He knows his letters up to 10, but he gets confused after that.

We’ve been working on ABC’s and with the help of this DVD (and extra help at school) he has finally mastered it (although P still confuses him). I love that the DVD takes it slow so that he has a chance to get used to each letter before it goes on to the next one.

The problem we were having with other learning DVD’s is that they would speed through the numbers and letters, which flustered him and didn’t help him at all. I loved that they showed the letters as magnetized refrigerator letters.

We have had some silly learning fun with this DVD. They make it more engaging and encouraging because they not only TELL- they show and singsong it. Which- it what really helps kids.

Adisyn is still in her mocking stage- so she was singing these cute little songs long after the DVD was over. I am extremely glad to have gotten the chance to let my kids’ enjoy and be entertained by Rock N Learn.

Connect with Rock N Learn:

Rock N Learn on Facebook

Rock N Learn on Twitter

For a Limited Time you can get the Rock N Learn PreSchool DVDs at Sam’s Club at a special price of only $7.98 each (Retail $14.99).

 

Jessica Renee

 

Review: Starlooks December Starbox

I have been so lucky to review the Amazing Starlooks December Starbox. I know you’re saying “but this is January?” I know, I know. There was a slight problem with the Postal Service, Instead of sending it to my house, they were shipping it back and forth between Louisville and Nashville.. so needless to say- I just got the box.

I was happy to see it in the mail. I had seen the preview of the December box in my November box and was very antsy to try it. As you all know- I LOVE color, and that counts in my eyeshadow as well.
I love playing with makeup, creating different looks just to see what works with my complexion and eye tone. When I opened the box to see the amazing 15 eyeshadow palette, I was overjoyed.

The box had silver confetti on the top of the eyeshadow along with the card that explained the coloring of the eyeshadows. It was very “Decembery”. I loved the light pink coloring of the box along with the detailed silver confetti inside.

Although the box had been shipped back and forth for an entire month, it arrived unharmed. The eyeshadow was packed in the black cardboard protector that you see in the picture above. Taking the eyeshadow palette out of the box to inspect—showed that all were intact without ANY pieces breaking off or breaking into pieces! YEA!

I loved that there were so many different color choices within these 15. There is purple, yellow, brown, green, blue, red, and an orangey shade. Each comes with a glitter and non-glitter. OH did I have so much fun!

Just within these 15, there are so many beautiful possibilities that I was SUPER happy to be able to work with Starlooks. They are absolutely brilliant. Every single month when a box comes, I just can’t WAIT to see what’s inside.

If you would like to be a part of the mystery of receiving 3-4 full sized samples of beauty products a month for just $15- you can order it as well. If you would like to show someone you’re thinking of them (a daughter, best friend, sister, or niece) this is the perfect opportunity.

This is perfect because if you were to go out and buy 3-4 full sized beauty products a month you’ll be paying WAY more than just $15 a month. So subscribe and get your NEXT monthly Starbox!
BUY IT: You can buy the December Starlooks Starbox for $25

Connect with Starlooks:
Facebook and Twitter


Jessica Renee

Review: TrueKare Water Wear Push up Pads & Breast Enhancers

If you’re like me and have a problem with little to almost no cleavage, then you are going to fall in love with the two products I am about to tell you about. TrueKare sent me their Waterwear Push-up Pads and their Enhancer.

The Waterwear Push-Up Pads

The Waterwear Push Up Pads that I were sent came in Nude, but they also have black. These are filled with a mixture of water and natural oil that gave me the most comfortable breast enhancement. They felt so real that I forgot they were there.

What you do is slip them in the pocket of your favorite push-up bra which is what I did. You can also fit these in the sides of your breasts so that they push your breasts together to give you that “closeness” that so many of us desire.

It feels amazing to feel like a curvy woman. I’ve always wanted those natural curves, but since I am naturally 5’3 and 115 pounds- that isn’t something that I can manage by myself, so I was glad to have the help.

These come in 2 different sizes, so no matter what size you are, you’ll have an amazing fit. They have A/B and B/C. So if you’re an A or a smaller B you can choose the A/B selection- or if you’re a larger B or C, you can choose the B/C selection.

It’s hard to go out with a low-cut shirt on without the Push-up pads. I feel so “naked” and breastless. I can’t help it, I’ve always been self-conscious about having smaller boobs. There’s a big gaping hole everytime I wear a bathing suit—so it does bother me.

I KNOW for a fact that these will fit inside the pocket of my bathing suit as well. Since they feel real and have oil and water inside instead of feeling like foam, I can definitely wear these at the pool or beach without feeling insecure.

These are completely washable as well. You hand wash them in cold water and then air dry them.. wa-lah they’re clean!

BUY IT: You can buy the Waterwear Push-up Pad for $13.99

The Enhancers

These are my absolute favorite. These are easy to clean, easy to wear, and gives the confidence of a full bust without life changing surgery. Strapless dresses, low-cut shirts, and bathing suits were never my friends before getting the Enhancers.

They always seem to mock me.. Not having enough cleavage to fill in the gaps was frustrating and made me less of a woman. People who see me still think I’m like 17 because of my body type.

I’m thinking “For heaven’s sake, I have a 5 year old son—I am NOT 17”. When I wear strapless shirts, I spend more time hiking them back up and readjusting then anything, so I usually avoided wearing them altogether.

Now that I have the Enhancers, It makes it so much easier to wear things that I avoided before. Now I can wear low cut shirts and strapless shirts without feel like I’m lacking in the bust department. This really helps in the confidence department.

The best part is that neither one of these products are expensive, and you can take them out at night. There isn’t a risk of a life-changing surgery that costs thousands of dollars.

I love how real they look AND feel. They even have the added nipple- so that if you wear a thin shirt or tank top there isn’t the old :missing nipple: problem that I’ve seen other enhancers have.

BUY IT: You can buy the Enhancer set for $23.99

 

Jessica Renee

 

Book Review: Singer Simple Sewing by Beth Baumgartel; Creative Publishing

This comprehensive at-your-fingertips reference is an essential addition to every sewer’s library. With more than 1,000 detailed illustrations, SINGER Simple Sewing covers all the need-to-know basics for garment construction and home décor. There’s also an entire section on mending and repair to help you recycle your favorite items with quick and reliable fixes.

No matter what type of sewing project you’re working on, SINGER Simple Sewing will help you sharpen your skills and find smart solutions to make each of your projects the very best.

I began learning to sew in high school home economics class. I learned how to make pillows, blankets, and even a pair of pajamas. I didn’t own my own sewing machine back then though, so when I finally did get mine I was a little rusty.

Being able to review the Singer Simple Sewing Reference book has been amazing. Even though I’ve been sewing (with my own machine) for close to 4 years now, there were still parts of sewing that had me stuck in a rut.

Mostly I just made whatever came into mind when I pulled out the fabric. I was very limited in selection though. I could only make small items such as purses, laptop bags, and random items.

I couldn’t put a piece of clothing together or do anything hard because following patterns was difficult for me. There were other things such as the different machine feet ((I wasn’t sure what was necessary to buy and what I could wait to purchase later).

I love that this book comes with it’s own DVD. You can insert it into your computer or DVD player and see the video’s that accompany the chapters in this book. It shows how to start with your machine, getting ready to start sewing, how to change presser feet, and more. It makes it a lot easier to understand (especially if you’re a beginner.)

Looking through the book was amazing.. they cover anything and everything that has to do with sewing. This is the perfect book for a beginner, but even if you aren’t *like me* there is something to be learned.

The beginning of the book consists of everything there is to know about different parts of the sewing machine and the tools that are needed to begin sewing. The tools contain everything from machine & hand needles, interfacing fusibles, pressing, cutting, & marking tools, to lining.

The detailed illustrations that come with each page make it that much easier to see what you need to do or what is what in sewing tools. The best thing about it that it doesn’t just describe what these things are, it actually tells you how to use the items.

There when I began sewing the differences between fusibles, interfacing, and stabilizers had me confused. This book is amazing because it breaks down what each one is, what they are used best with (i.e. heavyweight interfacing is best for toys, crafts, and accessories), and how to apply them.

The part that helped me best was the “Working with Patterns” part. Taking a pattern and making it your own is quite difficult to begin if you don’t understand HOW to work with the pattern. This part of the book breaks down why there are  different sizes on the pattern and how to make sure that you cut and sew them so that they fit YOU. They even show you how to measure yourself so that you know WHICH of the several patterns is more to your body type.

It breaks down each and every notch, dotted line, solid lines, and everything in between. This made me feel more confident just looking at a pattern. It helps to feel like you can accomplish and tackle something before you ever even try. If you’re frazzled before you begin, it won’t take long for something to go wrong.

No matter what you’re trying to accomplish or learn, you can do it with this book. Making ribbons & tassels & bias binding, forming gathers & adding darts, inserting elastic into a casing, pleats, ruffles, and hems.

If you look at a piece and think you might skip it overall because it tells you that you have to do something that you’re scared of, be scared no more my friend! I used to think that shortening a zipper would break my machine needles, so I didn’t even give it a try. This book firmly and efficiently shows how to shorten  a zipper so that it functions after you’ve shortened it to size!  And it even shows how to insert it if you are stuck on that part too. Amazing!

There is a whole chapter dedicated to showing how to sew up home décor items. This shows how to choose the right fabric and go about sewing shower curtains, bedding, napkins, regular curtains, tablecloths, placemats, and so much more! You’ll be sewing you’re heart away in no time!

The last part of the book is completely about mending and repair. This shows you how to examine a piece and thoroughly decide whether it’s able to be mended or thrown out. Whether it be stressed seams, holes in clothing, patching pockets, adding decorative trim, adding buttons/snaps/zippers that have popped off, repairing lining, or adding extra fabric to clothing that’s gotten too tight- this book nails it right on the head.

Whether you’re a beginner, want to become handy around the house, start your own seamstress business, or know someone who does—this is the perfect book for them or you!! If you buy it for someone else, they will thank you until the end of their days! It is a very helpful book! I love it!

BUY IT: You can buy Singer Simple Sewing: The Complete Illustrated Machine-side Reference of Tips and Techniques for $18.97

 

Jessica Renee

Saving Money This Year

This year on the top of my resolution list was saving as much money as possible, as you can imagine. The more money I save, the more I have to do whatever I want with.

The kids are growing like weeds these days, mostly Adisyn. She seems to be getting a growth spurt. Clothes just seem to shrink on her. If you have kids, you know what I mean. Clothes that she hasn’t had very long at all are too short for her. So cranking out a ton of money for clothes that she’s not going to be able to wear a couple months from now isn’t an option.

When I can find a deal on clothes for her, it saves me money to spend elsewhere- such as clothes for the entire family and stuff we need. More bang for the buck. PriceGrabber has tons of kids clothing AND some very beautiful dresses.

This leaves tons of options available for both my kids birthdays that are coming up (which we usually celebrate together). Adisyn turns 4 and Aidan will be 6… so they want lots of toys (naturally).
This is the first year that there will actually be tons of little kids at the party. Aidan started Kindergarten this year, so he wants his friends to come. I want to get little favor bags- and of course have to buy boy AND girl decorations, cakes, and party favors as well as gifs for the kids.

Saving money in other ways (such as clothes and shoes) will help me pay for the party that the kids want. I don’t want to have to disappoint the kids just because they are growing too fast. Price Grabber has tons of deals on just about everything. From clothes for kids, women, and men to electronics like phones, laptops, and tablets.

What would YOU like to save money on this year?

Jessica Renee

Book Review: 200 crochet Flowers, Embellishments & Trims by claire crompton; F&W Media international

Every since I was a little girl, crochet has been a part of my life. I was given some really cool crocheted pieces that my great-grandmother had made. She made anything and everything; blankets, animals, and doilies. I loved how amazing the pieces looked and always wondered how to do it myself.

As I got older, I noticed that my Aunt had picked up Crochet hooks and was well experienced at making cute baby blankets, booties, hats, and scarves. I wanted to learn too. So, 3 years ago- I began teaching myself.

I am not experienced by any means. I have other things that take up my time and I wasn’t able to complete BIG projects that I started—so only small projects were completed on my crochet to-do list. I never really learned how to read crochet patterns because I was afraid and just a beginner.

When I got a chance to review the book 200 Crochet Flowers, Embellishments, and Trims by Claire Crompton I was ecstatic. This meant that I could do some little projects and begin reading crochet patterns..

So last weekend I spent the entire weekend reading this book- brushing up on the different stitches and teaching myself how to read the patterns without getting frazzled. I have to admit—I had SO much fun.

I began making some of the different flowers that they had in the book. The patterns were easy to read, easy to follow, and very easy to get done. It is amazing how great it feels to take a ball of yarn and complete something so beautiful (yet not SO time consuming) at the beginning.

As I got comfortable making the flowers and reading the patterns—I flipped to the back of the book where the different crochet fabrics were. They had so many different patterns that I’d never seen or heard of before.. They were also easy to follow and fun to make.

I started making washcloths for face washing, scarves with all the beautiful elegant stitches that they have, and even belts. I don’t think there has been a day since getting this book that I haven’t been sitting down and putting it to good use.

Not only has this book inspired me to re-start something that I loved doing, just couldn’t find the time to do—but it helped me learn how to read the patterns (both written and drawn) which was extremely hard for me before.

This is another scarf that I made from the instructions in the book. This is a beautiful shell stitch—so I made it into an airy open lace like scarf. It is absolutely stunning and I plan on giving it to my sister for her birthday.! It feels nice to create something out of just a ball of yarn. Something that I can be proud to say that I made!!

This book is absolutely amazing. I love that they have all the instructions in the front so that even a beginner can enjoy the book. (It isn’t just for advanced know-how crocheters). It also has detailed descriptions of the different types of yarn and what each type of yarn would be best for.

It also has very elegant edging and braids that can be added to blankets, shirts, or just about anything to make it more beautiful. I haven’t made any of these yet- but when I do—I’ll be sure to post them for you to see.

BUY IT: You can buy the 200 Crochet Flowers, Embellishments, & Trims book for $14.71

 

Jessica Renee

 

Book Review: Use Your Words- A Writing Guide for Mothers by Kate Hopper; Viva Editions

As a mother AND a writer I was very blessed to be able to review the book Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers. Many birth stories aren’t the way they are supposed to be, not the way we secretly wished and hoped they would have turned out.

My first pregnancy was an amazing example of that. Being 6 months pregnant with pain beginning in my back at 24 weeks, I thought it was just my kidney infection. As it progressed to my stomach with the clenching I became worried.

I called my OB-GYN, who wasn’t in the office at the time—the message said for me to call the hospital where she was on call. I did just that. I still didn’t get the chance to talk to my OB-GYN, but I did get to talk to a Doctor who said it was either Braxton Hicks or REAL labor. I had to go in immediately to see what was going on.

As I arrived at the hospital, they began checking me for signs that my pain was coming from my kidney infection. I was there quite a while when they asked me if they could check me for dilation. After 20 MORE painful minutes, they came In and told me that I was indeed dilated 2 cm and they were going to have to ship me to a larger city.

As they began telling me that my baby was coming—I was absolutely stunned. How could this happen to me? I don’t even know anyone that’s ever had a premature baby. Is this my fault? Is he going to live? What is going to happen?

They hooked me up to an IV and began pumping me me with Magnesium, which is supposed to help calm contractions and keep the baby from coming. They also had given me a shot of steroids in case the baby DID come his lungs would be a little bit stronger.

I was very scared. Adam was at work 45 minutes away and the only person with me at the time was my mom. I texted Adam at work and let him know that they were flying me more than an hour away to a hospital with a NICU.

They wouldn’t let anyone in the helicopter with me.. so it was just me and my excessive worries. The helicopter’s nurse told me to tell her when I was having contractions. I couldn’t though- they were coming every MINUTE. So I gritted my teeth and waited to land.

As we arrived—they took me straight to a room and began checking me for dilation again. This time they scared me HORRIBLY bad. They told me that he was coming out breech and I was dilated 10 (which is ALL the way). They couldn’t wait for anyone to get there and be with me.. I was rushed into surgery.

I didn’t plan for any of this to  happen to me—yet it did. This is Aidan’s birth story and it forever changed my life. Beginning life at 24 weeks wasn’t his plan either- but it happened. Through the next 16 weeks in the NICU were some of the hardest times in my life for myself and my tiny little baby.

It was super frightening to see a baby born at 1 pound 13 ounces and only 12 1/2 inches long. He was EXTREMELY small, couldn’t be held, and his EYES were still fused shut. It made me realize how grateful we have to be for what we have in our life. It made me realize what kind of mom I wanted to be and the limits I would push myself to be with my son as much as I could (where he was more than an hour from home).

As time went on, and 3 pound babies were passing away in this lonely little NICU, I become VERY worried. I would do everything I can to be there as much as possible. Aidan’s night nurse became my best friend at this time. She knew how hard a time I was having leaving him. YET- I didn’t have the fund (place to stay, money to eat on, or a place to shower) while I was up there. So she acted as his second mom and took care of him while I was at home at work.

Now I look back on those days and wish I had written everything down in a journal. Although most of it is embedded in my brain for life—the little details are lost to me. I don’t know exact dates of stuff that I wish I did. I wish I had written it down for HIM as well as myself.

The days seemed never-ending yet flew by at the same time. It was heartbreaking to leave him, and even more heartbreaking to go home every time without him in my arms. I would call every hour on the hour checking on him when I couldn’t be there.. 3 1/2 months felt like an entire year.

I want him to look back and SEE how far he has come. How proud I am that he was such a fighter. I wish he knew how many times I prayed that everything would turn out right. How many nights I spent crying because I didn’t have the money to go up there daily even though I was working as much as I could possibly work while seeing him as well.

Everything just rushes at me. When I got a chance to review this book, I knew I wanted to help the cause. When your baby is young (or you’re pregnant) especially with your first child—writing may not seem something that you’re sure of. Pictures in the baby book- of course.. But what if they could look back and see the way we seen THEM? To see and feel the love that a mother has for her child?

This book means a lot to me and I love that they are helping women find their writing voice. I know some writers may not feel like “MOM writing” is an actual piece of work. I KNOW it is. I know that this is the most important time in your life and should be documented.

This book helps to find that purpose, helps gets those words out, and helps with writing exercises. This not only helps find your “MOM voice” but your “writing voice” as well.

I love that it not only has the writing exercises, but it also contains writing pieces as well. I love having examples and reading others work before beginning my own. This helps me to gain some kind of ground before writing. Helps me get a feel of WHAT I want to write before writing. This is the how-to writing guide that should come in every moms first diaper bag.

Everything in this book is inspiring and it is an absolute MUST have book. Whether you’re pregnant; have a newborn, toddler, school aged child, or your children have already left the nest. Leave them more than just baby pictures.. leave them their history- their story!

BUY IT: You can buy the     Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers book for $11.32

 

Jessica Renee